Bail revoked for two reds, Jatuporn and Nisit

The Nation May 12, 2011 12:00 am

Top red shirt leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Nisit Sinthuprai had their bail revoked on Thursday after the court found them guilty of violating their bail conditions.

This is the first time that Jatuporn, a Pheu Thai Party list candidate, has been put behind bars, as until now he has always enjoyed parliamentary immunity.
His defence plans to file an appeal, but the verdict is to be immediately enforced pending the appellate review.
The prosecutors told the court that the nine red shirt leaders, Jatuporn and Nisit among them, were involved in making public offensive remarks against the monarchy in their speech at a gathering of the red shirts protesters on April 10. The speech was designed to incite the crowds and violated bail conditions.
In testifying in his defence on Monday, Jatuporn said he took full accountability for his remarks and pleaded with the court not to punish the other eight leaders who just appeared on the rally stage without commenting.
Under the court ruling, the other seven red-shirt leaders will remain free on bail pending trial on terrorism charges in connection with the last year's riots.
After the ruling, Jatuporn and Nisit were taken to Bangkok Remand Prison. Jatuporn told reporters at the courthouse that he was not worried and was ready to follow the court's order.
"I have not discussed anything with the red shirts movement and Pheu Thai Party. However. I am still a candidate of the party for the general election because the trial has not been finalised," he said.
Meanwhile, another red shirt leader; Nuttawut Saikua, said that despite Jatuporn being in jail, the red shirt demonstration scheduled for May 19 would be organised as planned.
The type of the demonstration will not need to be adjusted as no one would violate the bail conditions.